Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy

Understanding EMDR therapy 

You may have heard friends mention eye therapy for trauma or seen the buzz on social media. If you've ever wondered, "What is EMDR therapy?" we've got you.

Introduction to EMDR 

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, commonly called EMDR, is a form of psychotherapy that often helps patients with PTSD and other mental health conditions manage their symptoms. Successful EMDR sessions can help reduce anxiety triggered by a traumatic experience or phobia, which lets the patient view memories differently. Basically, EMDR rewires and repairs neural networks, so traumatic memories or fears become less scary. Triggers can't wreak havoc in the brain anymore, and we love that for our EMDR besties.

The mechanism of eye movement therapy 

EMDR therapy may sound intimidating, but it doesn't cause rapid eye twitching like those cartoon characters in GIFs. Instead, eye movements are slowly and carefully integrated into EMDR sessions. These therapeutic movements help retrain your brain, so you can replace negative beliefs with positive ones.

Some psychotherapists only use eye movement therapy during EMDR sessions, while others incorporate different forms of bilateral stimulation, such as tapping or auditory tones. This stimulation helps initiate an accelerated learning process that teaches your brain how to heal from traumatic events. Impressive, right?

Applications of EMDR therapy 

Like your favorite pair of jeans, eye movement therapy is versatile. Here are some situations where EMDR may help:

• Trauma resolution. EMDR can help resolve pain stemming from various forms of trauma, such as domestic abuse or child abuse. 
• Anxiety and depression. Reduce the stress of conditions such as anxiety and depression with bilateral stimulation from EMDR therapy.
• PTSD treatment. Neutralize triggering events in your mind, such as memories of an assault or military combat, with help from EMDR.

The EMDR therapy process 

EMDR therapy has eight phases. We've got the deets below:

Assessment and preparation 

EMDR begins with a client assessment, so don't be shy. Spill the beans! This assessment helps the therapist prepare and customize your sessions. A strong therapeutic alliance is key for healing via eye movement therapy, so choose a provider who makes you feel safe. 

Phases of EMDR 

Surprises can be stressful (well, unless you unexpectedly win the lottery), but learning how EMDR works can help ease your mind. Here's what to expect during the eight phases of EMDR therapy. 

1. Intake and planning

Your therapist asks about your medical and/or trauma history and helps you create a personalized treatment plan. Your treatment plan should include goals for addressing traumatic memories or symptoms of medical conditions, such as PTSD or OCD.

2. Preparation

Your therapist educates you about EMDR and provides coping tools so you can replace negative memories with positive or neutral ones in the fifth phase.

3. Assessment

Your provider helps identify a treatment target, such as a specific memory or theme.

4. Desensitization 

Bilateral stimulation helps neutralize emotional triggers.

5. Installation

Your provider has you focus on positive beliefs. 

6. Body scan

Your therapist checks for lingering physical sensations.

7. Closure

Relaxation techniques support a stable post-appointment mental state.

8. Reevaluation and post-treatment care

Your provider evaluates your progress and determines whether you need additional sessions or would benefit from a different approach.

Effectiveness and research 

Anecdotal evidence says eye movement therapy for trauma works, but research also supports EMDR for trauma recovery and symptom reduction. There have been dozens of clinical trials conducted on EMDR therapy, as well as research studies and academic papers on the topic. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs makes it clear they're on Team EMDR, stating, "EMDR has the strongest recommendation for being an effective treatment in most clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of PTSD."

Quick recap of EMDR therapy

Eye movement desensitization and processing, AKA EMDR, neutralizes triggers with bilateral stimulation. This research-backed therapy can help you recover from traumatic incidents as you move through eight effective treatment phases. Bilateral stimulation initiates a healing response in your brain, helping you get relief from the symptoms of PTSD or other mental health conditions. 

If your trauma has overstayed its welcome, issue an eviction notice. Unless a doctor recommends otherwise, explore the transformative benefits of EMDR therapy and enjoy your mental health glow-up. Not sure? Schedule an appointment with an eye care professional right now and chat about it.

FAQs

What conditions can EMDR therapy address? 

EMDR can help patients cope with conditions such as PTSD, OCD, anxiety, and depression.

How long does EMDR therapy typically take? 

EMDR sessions are customized for each patient and may take anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks or longer to complete, with each session lasting 50 to 90 minutes. 

Is EMDR suitable for everyone? 

Some folks, such as those with epilepsy or post-concussion syndrome, may not do well with EMDR therapy. Your medical team can help you decide if EMDR is safe for you.